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Lauren Drain Kagan Shows Off Shredded Abs and Reveals Her Hip Exercises

Here is everything you need to know about her diet and exercise habits.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Lauren_Drain_Kagan_laurendrainfit1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Lauren Drain Kagan is heating up social media with her shredded abs! In a new social media post, the fitness influencer and trainer, who boasts over 3.8 million followers on Instagram, flaunts her amazing figure. “Uruguay was a dreammmmm 🇺🇾 Who’s ready to work on their summer bod already?” she captioned the post. She also shared a video revealing one of the exercises responsible for her fantastic figure. Here is the exercise – and everything you need to know about her approach to diet and exercise.


Exercising for Mental Health

Lauren, who famously escaped the Westboro Bible Baptist Church after growing up in it, is open about her experiences and claims that exercise helped heal her. “It was very therapeutic,” she told Fox News. “There were times in my life where I experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. For me, it was an amazing outlet. … I got my confidence from fitness and it’s really empowering. … As a nurse, I saw people at the bedside needing heart transplants, open-heart surgery. I really wanted to get on the preventative side of health care. And I just love empowering others.”

Quick Body Transformation

Lauren_Drain_Kagan_laurendrainfit3laurendrainfit/Instagram

Lauren first transformed her body in 2014 over a 14-week period. She takes a get-fit-fast approach. “I signed up for my first WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) show and trained my ass off - literally. Remember, competition prep is not the same as normal training. I was able to cut through all my excess fat, which revealed the muscle definition I had underneath. I went from 135+ lbs to about 122 lbs,” she says on her website. “Since then, I've worked to build more muscle mass in all the ‘right’ places, becoming stronger, healthier, and happier in the process. The booty and legs you see now are not genetic blessings or surgical projects, they’re the product of hard work. I see girls on social media time and time again calling themselves fitness models, fit chicks, etc… when in reality, most of them were blessed at birth when they won the genetic lottery.”

RELATED:4 Foods That Secretly Are Adding HUNDREDS More Calories Than You Think

80/20 Eating Plan

Lauren eats healthy most of the time, abiding by the 80/20 diet plan. “I don't diet - I live an 80/20 lifestyle. Healthy eating 80% of the time and indulge in more fun foods the other 20%. I eat 4-5 meals a day anywhere from 1600-2400 cal depending on my training levels & body goals. Starvation & crash diets are not a solution,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Hiking

Hikers,Walking,Mountains, outdoors, outside, rural, walking, exerciseShutterstock

Lauren is an avid hiker. “Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise. No matter what type of trail you find yourself on, hiking is a great whole-body workout—from head to toe and everything in between,” says the National Parks Service.

RELATED:I Lost 40 Pounds, and Here Is Everything I Ate in Day

Hip Thrusters

In her Instagram video, Lauren shows off some serious strength, doing 315-pound hip thrusters a total of three times. The move is great for your core and your upper legs.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you eat healthy 80 percent of the time and allow yourself a little bit of cheating, you can lose weight without depriving yourself.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Lauren Drain Kagan is heating up social media with her shredded abs! In a new social media post, the fitness influencer and trainer, who boasts over 3.8 million followers on Instagram, flaunts her amazing figure. “Uruguay was a dreammmmm 🇺🇾 Who’s ready to work on their summer bod already?” she captioned the post. She also shared a video revealing one of the exercises responsible for her fantastic figure. Here is the exercise – and everything you need to know about her approach to diet and exercise.


Exercising for Mental Health

Lauren, who famously escaped the Westboro Bible Baptist Church after growing up in it, is open about her experiences and claims that exercise helped heal her. “It was very therapeutic,” she told Fox News. “There were times in my life where I experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. For me, it was an amazing outlet. … I got my confidence from fitness and it’s really empowering. … As a nurse, I saw people at the bedside needing heart transplants, open-heart surgery. I really wanted to get on the preventative side of health care. And I just love empowering others.”

Quick Body Transformation

Lauren_Drain_Kagan_laurendrainfit3laurendrainfit/Instagram

Lauren first transformed her body in 2014 over a 14-week period. She takes a get-fit-fast approach. “I signed up for my first WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) show and trained my ass off - literally. Remember, competition prep is not the same as normal training. I was able to cut through all my excess fat, which revealed the muscle definition I had underneath. I went from 135+ lbs to about 122 lbs,” she says on her website. “Since then, I've worked to build more muscle mass in all the ‘right’ places, becoming stronger, healthier, and happier in the process. The booty and legs you see now are not genetic blessings or surgical projects, they’re the product of hard work. I see girls on social media time and time again calling themselves fitness models, fit chicks, etc… when in reality, most of them were blessed at birth when they won the genetic lottery.”

RELATED:4 Foods That Secretly Are Adding HUNDREDS More Calories Than You Think

80/20 Eating Plan

Lauren eats healthy most of the time, abiding by the 80/20 diet plan. “I don't diet - I live an 80/20 lifestyle. Healthy eating 80% of the time and indulge in more fun foods the other 20%. I eat 4-5 meals a day anywhere from 1600-2400 cal depending on my training levels & body goals. Starvation & crash diets are not a solution,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Hiking

Hikers,Walking,Mountains, outdoors, outside, rural, walking, exerciseShutterstock

Lauren is an avid hiker. “Hiking is one of the best ways to get exercise. No matter what type of trail you find yourself on, hiking is a great whole-body workout—from head to toe and everything in between,” says the National Parks Service.

RELATED:I Lost 40 Pounds, and Here Is Everything I Ate in Day

Hip Thrusters

In her Instagram video, Lauren shows off some serious strength, doing 315-pound hip thrusters a total of three times. The move is great for your core and your upper legs.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you eat healthy 80 percent of the time and allow yourself a little bit of cheating, you can lose weight without depriving yourself.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want a six-pack but feel like you are too old? According to one expert, you can achieve a perfect midsection at any age. Adelina Jordan is a 52-year-old fitness trainer and coach whose mission is “proving age is just a number,” according to her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals the handful of exercises that are responsible for her six-pack abs and the healthy habits that enable her to achieve them. “Six-pack abs in your fifties? Totally possible with the right plan. Here’s what worked for me,” she writes in the post.


She Trains Abs 2 to 3 Times a Week

“I train Abs like any other muscle,” she writes. She reveals that she reserves two to three days a week to do ab work. “Remember … it takes consistency with workouts and nutrition and lots of time & patience,” she writes.

RELATED: Top Coach Reveals 3 Best Back Exercises You Can Do at Home

Here Are the Exercises She Does

“Here is an example of the workout I do to maintain my 6-pack abs in my 50s,” she continues, revealing the five exercise sets.

  • SL crunches
  • weighted sit-ups
  • Russian twist
  • weighted toe taps
  • double crunch.

She Also Pays Attention to Her Diet

She then goes on to discuss key tips to remember for 6-pack abs, starting with diet. “Dial in your nutrition,” she writes. “Protein-packed meals, a slight calorie deficit, and staying consistent.” According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

RELATED: Woman Lost 11 Pounds in 90 Days With These 5 Simple Rules

And, She Lifts Weights

Next, she recommends weight lifting. “Strength training is a must,” she says. “Focus on compound lifts that engage your core and help burn fat.” According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills.

She Uses Resistance

Another important tactic? “Train your abs with resistance,” she suggests, “Adding light weights, cables, or bands takes your core training to the next level—think strength and definition.”

She Does Cardio

Don’t forget to do cardio. “Steady-state cardio after lifting works wonders for revealing your hard-earned progress,” she says.

RELATED: She Lost 15 Pounds in Her 40s After Fixing These 3 Mistakes

And, She Is Patient

Lastly, six-pack abs don't happen overnight. “Patience is key: Progress takes time, but trust me—it’s worth it! If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make it happen!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Lisa Jean Lanceford is a fitness trainer and influencer with over 3.7 million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares her workouts on social media and via the STRNG app. In one of her recent Instagram posts, she shared the exercises that are responsible for her 6-pack abs. “Sheeeeesh this one burns 🔥 Let’s get this ABS workout done,” she wrote in the captioned. Here is everything you need to know about her workout plus the other lifestyle habits that help keep her in shape.


Here Is Her Ab Workout

In the video, she demonstrates the following exercises:

  • Kneeling cable crunch

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Roman chair oblique knee raises

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Alternating knee tuck double crunch

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Cross crawls

    20-24 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Low to high cable woodchips

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets each side

Intuitive Eating

Lisa promotes “intuitive eating,” explaining the principles in an Instagram post.

“Your relationship with food plays a key role in your overall fitness journey. Whilst it’s good to have a sufficient understanding of your diet and nutrition, striving for the ‘perfect’ diet may lead to controlling or disordered eating habits. If you have eaten a cheeseburger, you do not have to feel guilty, skip your next meal or ‘burn it off.’ Instead, focus on the positives. You received a great source of iron, protein, carbs, calcium and you probably rather enjoyed it. You do not need to use exercise to negate eating but rather consume food for enjoyment, nourishment and to fuel workouts and recovery,” she says.

Related: 10 High Fiber Foods to Keep You Full in a Day, According to Dietitian

Here Is How She “Builds” Healthy Meals

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford2lisafiitt/Instagram

In another post, she explains “how to build a healthy and balanced meal,” starting with a “good quality protein sources such as lean meat, a soya-based product such as tofu or tempeh, dairy or lentils, beans and edamame beans,” she says. Next up, starchy carbohydrates, which “should make up just over a 1/3 of the food you eat,” she explains.

“They are essential for energy and nutrients, therefore you should aim to include some at every meal. Low GI carbohydrates slowly release energy and are higher in fibre which means they will keep you fuller for longer. Some low GI options include potatoes with skin on, brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, oats, and buckwheat.”

Then, fill your plate “with a rainbow of non- starchy vegetables and dark leafy greens. Examples include broccoli, spinach, kale, peppers, cucumber, courgette, onion, aubergine, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes and so on. Also be sure to include some fruit throughout the day as snacks or added to breakfast, etc,” she adds. Finally, “Pick a small amount of healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and seeds.”

No Diets

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford1lisafiitt/Instagram

Lisa doesn’t like to label her eating plan. “I don’t like to call it a diet as it’s my lifestyle and not a diet. My nutrition has stayed the same, except some days I am increasing my calories as I am working out more, so I need to make sure I am fuelling my body right. I am doing LIVE Instagram workouts with my followers and challenging myself with new HIIT workouts alongside weight training (working with what I have) and my morning walks,” she told Women Fitness.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds and Here’s Everything I Learned Along My Journey

Walking in the Morning

Beautiful woman traveler climbs uphill with a dog on a background of mountain views. She is with a backpack and in red clothes.Shutterstock

While she spends a lot of time in the gym, Lisa starts her day with steps. “I do a 1 hour walk every morning. It helps with my mindset for the day and I think about everything I am grateful for. It’s so calm, quiet and peaceful and it gets my mind going for the day. Always practice gratitude and always appreciate the little things in life,” she added to Women Fitness.

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, crunches, and sit-ups aren’t the best exercises to build abs. Try doing a set like Lisa’s, which works all the muscles in your midsection, including obliques, and will get you the best results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Krissy Cela is making a case for weightlifting – showing off her tiny waist. In a new social media post the fitness influencer and co-founder of EvolveYou draws attention to her chiseled midsection and reveals the workout responsible for it. “I understand fitness trends come and go… I get you’ve been told by many people on viral videos to stop lifting heavy because it’s not feminine and maybe you’ve even been told the gym isn’t a fashion show,” she writes. “Hate to break it to you but if you want longevity in your health lifting weights is important, sure it gives you muscles but it’s beneficial for your overall health! And not to mention what it does for your mind.” Her followers went wild. “Yes, preach it girl! Break those stereotypes. Because who says lifting can't be both empowering and fashionable, right? 🔥” commented fellow fitness influencer Alexia Clark. “You look so damn good🔥🔥🔥” added Victoria Loza. What is the exact workout responsible for Krissy’s amazing body and what other health habits keep her fit? Here is everything you need to know.


This Is Her Workout

Here is her strength training workout:

✅ bent over rows

✅ single arm rows

✅ Latt pull down

✅ closed grip pull down

✅ flies (didn’t record forgot)

✅ curls for the girls

Early Riser

Krissy_Cela3krissycela/Instagram

Krissy is an early riserI tend to wake up at around half five or six. The reason I wake up so early, it sounds ridiculous, but it helps me do everything I need to do for myself before I can give myself to everybody else. I have this concept where it's all fair and well doing things for the people we love, but if we're not taking some time out for ourselves, to check in or be productive, we'll constantly feel bottom of the list. So I wake up, half five or six o'clock,” she told Closer.

Related: I Lost 40 Pounds By Eating These 8 Foods

Coffee, Preworkout, Supplements

Closeup image of man and woman clinking white coffee mugs in cafeShutterstock

“The first thing I do is brush my teeth and get ready for the gym. Don't think twice, I just put my workout gear on,” Krissy says about her morning routine. “Then I'll drink my coffee or have my pre-workout.” She “loves” the pre-workout drink, “because I'm a caffeine addict,” she confesses. Probiotic pills help her digestion and hormones. “I have also started using collagen in my coffee now, it really helps me kickstart my day,” she adds.

Moving Her Body

Krissy_Cela4krissycela/Instagram

“Firstly, moving my body is a big big thing. I have to always move my body,” Krissy revealed. “I'm either working out in my little home gym or I am going to the gym and I'll train for one hour, tops.”

Protein Shakes

Close up of women with measuring scoop of whey protein and shaker bottle, preparing protein shake.Shutterstock

“So for me, every single day I have protein shakes, it's just convenient. It's a great way for me to up my protein intake, but it's something I don't rely on. Food is key. Protein shakes are a step up from what you already have, so if you don't have a healthy diet or consistent training routine, then you can't expect it to do what it's supposed to do,” she adds to Closer.

Related: Tone Your Body in Less Than 20 Minutes With This Beginner Routine

Her Body Changes

Krissy recently shared side-by-sider of her “leaner” body in May 2023 and now, revealing she is “SO much happier now” even though she weighs more. “I’m learning more and more that when you might not be as consistent with your journey or when you’ve taken a break it does NOT mean you have ‘fallen off’ or that you need to ‘get back on track’ I used to think this way all the time and now I realise I’ve always been on track, it’s just my track is taking me on a new journey that’s all,” she continues in the post. “I still love moving, I love lifting, I love cooking meals and eating well. I may not have as viable abs or be as lean but I’m soooo much happier, have so much more longevity and honestly I just feel good. Not to mention what my body has been through to even stand strong today. So here is your reminder that during your journey your body will fluctuate, your routine will change and your body will look different so embrace it, keep moving, keep showing up and just take your time with it all! No rush it’s about doing this thing called fitness forever not a quick fix. Just enjoy life and I promise you visible abs does not always equal health and happiness.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Strength and weight training will not make you “big” if you do the right exercises and fuel your body with lean and healthy food.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you desperate to blast your belly fat? It may not be as hard as you think. Gina is a weight loss warrior who lost 50 pounds and got in the best shape of her life in the healthiest way possible. In a new social media post, she reveals one standing ab move that helped her achieve her enviable abs and lose belly fat after having seven kids. “You could run for 10 minutes on a treadmill and not even burn off a stick of string cheese, or you could do these instead to build muscle and burn fat,” she writes across the video, going on to reveal the one exercise that helped her lose 50 pounds and flatten her pooch.


Gina Knows the Belly “Hang” Well After 7 Kids

Close-Up Of Pregnant Woman Holding Her Belly, Sitting On Yoga Mat. Cropped image, panorama.Shutterstock

“As a c-section mother and mother of 7- I know the hang. After losing 50 pounds, I know it takes much more than some random crunches. I have found that standing core exercises help so much to tighten and strengthen that area,” she says in the post.

She Has a Hack for the “Fatty Upper Pubic Area”

Flat,Belly,Expecting,Baby,pregnant,diet,healthShutterstock

She goes on to reveal an acronym, FUPA. “FUPA stands for ‘fatty upper pubic area’ and refers to the accumulation of fat around the mons pubis, or pubic bone,” she says. And it’s not just women who experience it — so do men!

RELATED: Lindsay Lohan Flaunts Washboard Abs: Here’s Her “Little Secret” to Looking Great at 38

She Tightened Hers with This Move

Portrait of fit young woman with kettlebell weights in the park. Fitness woman training with weights in park.Shutterstock

“Although we can’t target fat loss in a specific area of the body, we can definitely work on certain exercises that help us tighten and strengthen muscles in that area. This is one example of what I have done with my journey, and after 7 kids and c-sections, I have found that this area has become increasingly tighter since incorporating overhead weights with movement such as you see,” she says.

It Works for Men Too

Athlete,Exercise, Kettleball,Kettlebell,gymShutterstock

And “for the men,” she maintains that the same exercise works. “My husband started doing these with me to strengthen his core with higher weight and reps! Let me know if you try it!”

FUPA Pooch Exercise for Women

,Working,Out,Gym,Weights,dumbbellsShutterstock

In the video, she demonstrates the pooch-busting move. “Try to do this for 60 seconds with 10-15 pounds. Rest for 60 seconds and do it again until you hit three reps.”

RELATED: Woman Lost 25 Pounds on Mounjaro Without Exercise and Shares 8 Key Tips

Men Lower Ab Strengthening

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

She also offers a version for men. Try to do this for 60 seconds with 20-25 pounds. Rest for 30 seconds and continue until you do 5 reps.

She Also Walks with a Weighted Vest

Buffalo, Minnesota, USA - May 20, 2017 Murph Challenge 2017, Happy athletic girl coming back from 1 mile run and flexing her bicepsShutterstock

Another hack that helped her lose weight fast? Wearing a weighted vest and walking. Her routine? She wrote in another post that “daily/nightly walks” and a “minimum” of 3 miles a day “with it on at least 5 times a week” is what she did. “You can achieve this with sidewalk walking, road walking, or walking on a treadmill/walking pad. I have since tapered back on my weighted vest walking- and walk weighted only once a week because the goal isn’t weight loss but now muscle definition. Weighted walks are super beneficial. I bought the 40-pound with shoulder pads, removed all but ten pounds, and worked my way up. The one I walk with now is a 60 lbs vest,”

And Makes Sure to Eat Enough Food

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesShutterstock

She also explains that many people believe that undereating will help them lose weight. But that’s not true. “You are (probably) not eating enough, and it has your metabolism way out of wack and your body holding onto fat way more than you’d like,” she writes. “I was at my absolute heaviest when I was eating the absolutely least amount of food after giving birth for the 7th time in 12 years,” she says. Now, she fuels her body with healthy foods so that she can exercise more.

RELATED: 8 Core Stability Moves a Mobility Expert Uses to Prevent Back Pain

Her Approach Works

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbellsShutterstock

“The skinny twig supermodel body that most girls wanted as young children has turned into an entire era of women becoming stronger, leaner, healthier and living a more fit and achievable lifestyle by filling their bodies with nutritious foods because they are not afraid to fuel their tank. Women who know that they will not get bulky by lifting weights,” she continues. “Last summer, I weighed almost 180 pounds until I got up and did something about it, and now I am empowering others to get up and do the same. I got you! You won’t find BS or kale here.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Sasha Pallari sashapallari
Copyright sashapallari/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We've all been there – staring in the mirror, wondering if there's something that could finally help us feel better in our own skin. When Sasha Pallari decided to try Mounjaro, she wasn't just looking for quick weight loss. She was searching for peace with food after a lifetime of struggles. Her honest answers to your burning questions might surprise you - and give you hope if you're considering this path too.

The Truth About How She Feels Now

Sasha admits she "never expected something with such minor consequences to have such a huge effect on me and my mental health." After months of constant food obsession, she describes it as "a blanket of calm has been put over my brain." While dealing with some side effects (yes, the gassiness is real), she feels "incredible" overall. "I've struggled with my body image and my relationship with food my entire life," she shares in her post.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Her #1 Reason for Starting (It's Not What You Think)

"My number one reason for doing this was to hopefully heal my relationship with food," Sasha reveals. She's upfront about changing how she talks about it: "I no longer call them weight loss injections. I call it a GLP-1 medication." For her, it's about so much more than the scale. "If this medication meant I never lost any weight, but I would feel this way towards food, would I still take it? The answer is yes."

How Her Eating Actually Changed

"I physically cannot eat the amount that I could eat prior," Sasha explains. Her portion sizes dropped "maybe less than half" from the first few days. But here's the surprising part – she's eating better quality food now. "My obsession with food was actually very toxic. Whereas my love for food and my love for cooking... has actually increased."

The Side Effect Nobody Warns You About

Let's get real about the gassy situation. "I'm very, very gassy, really burpy," Sasha laughs. The good news? "I don't have what I hear people talk about, sulfate burps, like there doesn't seem to be a smell." Her tricks to manage it: lots of water, peppermint tea after meals, and activated charcoal when needed.

The Scale Decision That Changed Everything

Sasha faced a dilemma: "I hadn't been a scale weigher for like eight years." She weighed herself at the start and then didn't step on again for over two months. "I wanted to do it properly... I didn't want my whole journey to be about that." When she finally weighed herself again, she'd lost about a stone and a quarter, slower than many, but exactly how she wanted it.

RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

What It Really Costs (And What It's Worth)

Sasha keeps it real about the price: "I've been paying perhaps 130 pounds ($170) a month" for the lowest dose. She hasn't moved up because "it doesn't make sense to move up a dose if I'm reaping the benefits." Her advice? "The best dose to maintain is your lowest dose." She's stuck with 2.5 milligrams and says, "That's been the best thing for me."

How She Handles Eating Out Now

"I've still eaten. I just can't eat the amount that I used to eat," Sasha shares. Her approach to Indian takeout changed from ordering "a full curry, a full rice, a full Naan bread" to "chicken tikka... a lentil side dish... and about a quarter of a Naan bread." The best part? "How incredible is it that I can enjoy food and like stop eating when I'm full?"

The Mental Game-Changer

Sasha doesn't mince words about her food obsession: "I would wake up in the morning and the first thing I would think is what am I having to eat today?" Now? "I guess, although I'm not hungry, I'm still dedicated to fueling my body and nourishing my body in a healthy way." The change in mindset has been "life-changing."

Why Not Just Hit the Gym?

"I think unless you struggled with eating and like poor relationships with food and body image... you're never going to understand why you can't just go to the gym," Sasha explains. After going through divorce, multiple moves, and financial struggles, she describes it perfectly: "It's like saying to someone who's mentally ill and depressed in bed, just get out of bed, just go for a walk. Sometimes it just isn't that simple."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

The Hunger Reality Check

"You don't feel hungry and you don't think about food," Sasha confirms. But she adds a crucial point: "Just because you don't feel hungry doesn't mean you don't need to eat. Obviously, starving yourself is stupid." She makes sure to have "two to three big meals a day" focused on protein first.

The Biggest Surprise

"This has been one of the most surprising things. I can't believe how much more I love food," Sasha reveals. Her newfound joy comes from learning about nutrition and balanced meals. "If I did lose joy for food... I wouldn't have continued it. A life without food enjoyment is a miserable life."

Medical Professional? Yes, You Need One

Sasha is firm about this: "Please, no matter what information you've consumed, make sure that you speak to some form of medical professional before going on this medication." She got her prescription online, but stresses: "Your body, your choice, your decision, go and get medical professional advice."

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

The Bottom Line

After months on Mounjaro, Sasha's message is clear: "I hope that my approach to it has given you a different perspective." She's not drastically losing weight or starving herself, and that's exactly the point. For her, this journey is about healing, not just changing numbers. "This video is not me trying to influence anybody... make sure you're doing it for the right reasons." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Jeremy Ethier
How Many Steps Should You Take To Lose Fat (And 4 Sneaky Ways to Hit It)
Copyright Jeremy Ethier/Facebook/Shutterstock

You've probably seen those fitness videos promising quick fat loss—only to get hit with brutal workouts that'd make a Navy SEAL break a sweat, plus a diet of plain chicken and tears. Let me introduce you to Jeremy Ethier, a certified Kinesiology specialist (NASM and FMS certified) from Vancouver, who's about to flip everything you know about fat loss on its head. This article will show you his four science-backed strategies that can double your fat loss speed—no extreme workouts required.

You're Eating More Fat Than You Think

"Think of losing fat like managing your money budget," Jeremy explains in his post. "These little balls are your protein and carbs—chicken and potatoes. They're only 4 calories per gram. But these big kahunas? Your fats pack 9 calories per gram."

Just cutting your daily fat sources in half can save you hundreds of calories instantly. Instead of giving up all fats, Jeremy suggests a simple approach: "Cut however much you usually have of cheese, butter, and even healthy fats like avocado in half." This one change alone can save you 250 calories daily, speeding up fat loss by half a pound per week.

Walking Beats Cardio (And It's Way More Fun)

Jeremy EthierCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy discovered this by accident during his summer job as a funeral caterer. "I was getting 12,000 to 15,000 steps daily. After two months, even without changing my diet, I ended up the leanest I'd ever been," he shares. Here's the science: highly active people burn up to 2,000 more calories daily just from everyday movement (called NEAT) compared to sedentary folks.

Jeremy's solution? "I use an under-desk treadmill for 30 minutes twice daily while doing emails. That alone is 6,000 steps." Aim for 7,000-12,000 steps daily—a simple 30-minute walk burns 100-200 calories and can lead to an extra pound lost per month.

The "Accidental Deficit" Hack

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Jeremy calls this his sneaky secret: "Think about your busiest work days when you barely have time to eat. Why not use those days to your advantage?" He used this strategy with Kevin, their app engineer: "He'd zone out coding all day, barely eating. We just swapped his unhealthy dinners for better options, and he lost 11 pounds in a month."

Try this once or twice weekly: stick to grab-and-go proteins (beef jerky, protein bars) and fruits during busy days, then have a big lean protein dinner with vegetables. "Just don't order takeout—that's the key," Jeremy warns.

Protein Burns Its Own Calories

Jeremy Ethier​Protein Portions Made SimpleCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy reveals a game-changing fact: "Your body burns calories just from digesting food. Protein is special—a solid 20-30% of its calories get burned up immediately for digestion." This means switching from low to high protein can boost your daily calorie burn by 4-5%. That's like doing a 10-minute jog daily without actually jogging.

For a 200-pound person, Jeremy recommends 160 grams of protein daily. "It's not just about calories in—protein affects calories out too," he emphasizes.

Your Food Choices Control Your Calorie Absorption

Jeremy_Ethier4Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy points to a fascinating study: "Two groups ate the exact same calories, but one group ate processed foods while the other ate whole foods. The whole food group actually absorbed 116 fewer calories per day." How? Fiber and resistant starches. "If you're eating like I used to—white rice and processed meat at every meal—start small," Jeremy suggests.

Swap cereal for oats, white rice for potatoes or beans, and chips for popcorn. These simple swaps can cut calories without cutting portions.

You Can Transform Your Body in Small Steps

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Jeremy cuts through the noise: "Most people lose just half a pound per week on typical diets. With these four strategies combined, you're looking at an extra 1.2 pounds of fat loss weekly." That's double the results. But you don't need to do everything at once. "Start small. Pick one strategy and you'll already notice a difference," he encourages. The beauty? No extreme measures required.

Walking Can Replace Hours at the Gym

Jeremy Ethier​Sustainable Progress Over SpeedCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy shares his current routine: "When I need a break, I walk around the block. Going to the grocery store? I park farther away. It adds up to over 10,000 steps easily." He tracks this with his app, but any phone's health app works. "A 30-minute walk gives you 3,000 steps. That's your starting point," he says. Combined with his other strategies, this simple habit creates sustainable fat loss without the burnout.

Make Fat Loss Feel Easy

Jeremy EthierA Top Trainer Reveals 4 Fat Loss Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Nowjeremyethier/Instagram

Jeremy's philosophy changes everything: "Cardio isn't very effective for fat loss. People burn calories during workouts, then crash on the couch watching Netflix afterward." His approach focuses on sustainable habits. "The easiest way to prevent calories from being stored as fat? Don't eat them in the first place." With his accidental deficit strategy, you're barely trying but still seeing results.

Your Next Steps to Double Your Fat Loss

Jeremy Ethier​Mindful Eating EnvironmentCopyright Jeremy Ethier/YouTube

Jeremy's final advice: "Don't fall for the extreme fitness videos. These four strategies—cutting fat sources by half, walking more, using busy days to your advantage, and choosing the right foods—can double your fat loss speed." Whether you pick one strategy or combine all four, you're setting yourself up for sustainable success. Track your progress, stay consistent, and watch the results compound over time. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Dr. Ryan Das MD Dr. Ryan - SummaUp
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Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

After countless failed diets and frustrating weight loss plateaus, many women find themselves searching for solutions that actually work. Dr. Ryan Das, MD, Co-Founder and Medical Director at SummaUp, has dedicated his career to helping professional women over 40 reclaim their health and confidence through sustainable weight loss strategies. With extensive experience prescribing Ozempic (semaglutide) to his patients, Dr. Das has developed a proven set of guidelines that maximize results while minimizing side effects. Here are the four essential tips he shares with every patient starting this treatment.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Prioritize Hydration for Maximum Benefits

Water becomes even more crucial when taking Ozempic, as hydration helps manage common side effects and keeps your body functioning optimally. "Staying hydrated also helps you avoid the fatigue that some people complain about," Dr. Das explains in his post. His patients find success with hydration packs or flavored water to make increasing their water intake more enjoyable.

Never Skip Meals Despite Reduced Appetite

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One of Ozempic's most noticeable effects is decreased appetite, but Dr. Das warns against using this as an excuse to skip meals entirely. "You've got to make sure to get these foods in at regular intervals," he advises. He recommends focusing on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and lean proteins to maintain energy levels and protect muscle mass during weight loss.

Always Lead with Protein at Every Meal

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Dr. Das has a simple but powerful rule for patients on Ozempic: "Make sure when you get a meal, eat protein first. So if you can't finish the rest, you have an ideal mix." This strategy ensures patients get essential nutrients even when their reduced appetite makes finishing meals difficult. It's a game-changer for maintaining proper nutrition during weight loss.

Incorporate Movement Without Overwhelming Yourself

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Exercise doesn't need to be extreme to be effective with Ozempic treatment. Dr. Das often references his team's recommendation: "One of our executive trainers tells our clients to do 5k to 10k steps daily." This equates to roughly two to three miles of walking. "I find the easiest thing to do is just go ahead and get a step counter like an Apple Watch or your iPhone," he suggests, making activity tracking simple and accessible.

RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Celebrate Non-Scale Victories

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Beyond the numbers on the scale, Dr. Das emphasizes the importance of recognizing all forms of progress. "If you're successful in not eating that delicious dessert that you oftentimes try to eat after dinner, that's a win," he encourages. Whether it's completing your daily steps or making healthier food choices, these victories add up to significant results over time.

Avoid the Daily Weigh-In Trap

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Dr. Das strongly advises against daily weigh-ins, explaining, "The issue with weighing yourself daily is there are going to be fluctuations in your weight on a day-to-day basis." Instead, he recommends weekly weigh-ins for a more accurate picture of progress. This approach helps patients maintain motivation without getting discouraged by normal weight fluctuations.

Track Your Entire Experience

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Weight loss is about more than just pounds lost. "Our bodies are so different and we all lose in different ways and at different speeds," Dr. Das reminds his patients. He encourages tracking energy levels, how clothes fit, and overall mood to get a complete picture of progress. These indicators often show improvement before the scale reflects changes.

Practice Patience with Your Body

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Understanding that weight loss is a journey helps patients stay committed to the process. "Weight loss is a journey and everyone's body responds differently," Dr. Das emphasizes. He encourages celebrating progress regardless of the pace, focusing on the long-term lifestyle changes that support sustained results.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Focus on Sustainable Success

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Dr. Das's ultimate message to his patients is clear: "It's about long-term success, not quick fixes." He views Ozempic as a tool that works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. The most successful outcomes happen when patients use the medication to establish lasting habits that will serve them well beyond their treatment period.

Key Takeaway

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Dr. Das's approach to Ozempic treatment goes beyond simply prescribing medication. His comprehensive strategy addresses hydration, nutrition, movement, and mindset to help patients achieve their best results. By following these expert-backed tips, you can maximize the benefits of Ozempic while building sustainable habits that support long-term weight management success. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.